Thomas Signs Onto One Year with the Cats

On Thursday September 26th the Florida Panthers and goalie Tim Thomas agreed to a one year deal.

After the backlash that came out of the White House visit following the Bruins cup win in 2011, the former all-star has not exactly had the same popularity he had before. The goalie, who has a record of 196-121-45 in 378 appearances, took last season off to recover from injuries. That was the last year in his four-year contract with Boston allowing him to attend the Panthers training camp this year on a try-out basis.

Thomas, who participated in training camp, has so far not been allowed to suit up for any of the team’s preseason games. Once again he will be one of three goalies on the team. During his last season with the Bruins he shared netminding duties with Tuukka Rask, Marty Turco, and Anton Khudobin while Rask was injured. In Florida he will be alongside Jacob Markstrom and Scott Clemmenson, who is currently out with a knee injury.

“Tim is a proven winner who we are pleased to have signed,” general manager Dale Tallon said in his statement. “He is a fierce competitor who brings to our club a wealth of experience including a Stanley Cup Championship, two Vezina trophies and a Conn Smythe. He is a hardworking, driven and dedicated individual who will help our club achieve future success.” -via NHL.com.

The Panthers had their first cup run since the Sutter-era in 2012 and with Tim Thomas on their roster they may have a good chance at making it back this season.